-Good menu, lots of options

- Expensive for the quality of digital
- AF illuminator shows the amateur side if this camera
- Highlights suck.

I have been a professional E-6 shooter for the last 6 years and this is my first digital experience. So far, so-so experience. Digital for me is a big compromise. Highlights suck, but it is so comfortable the feedback with the LCD that all of us forget a little bit the highlight problem. The D 200 is not the exception. The reason why this camera is not rated as "professional" is not because the "Build in flash" as some people say. For me the real reason is the autofocus. That's why it has a AF illuminator which could be very annoying in not even low light. The F100 is way better and doesn't have an AF illuminator.

Another thing is what people call "Rugged construction". I think that it is well build but no way "Rugged". Is the back of the camera plastic?, It feels like, specially on the right low side…the build in flash is a piece of plastic and forget about the battery and the card cover. I grow up handling the Nikon F manual focus series, all metal.

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Nikon F2, F3, N6006, N90 n80, F100, F5, D2x,
Mamiya 645 pro, 645 AF
Mamiya RZ67
Bronica etrsi
Rolleflex twin lense
Canon D30, 5D

Handling, speed, build quality, image quality built in flash, remote command of speedlights.

High ISO noise in low light is not quite as good as some of the competion

There are so many reviews out there and on here that I will not bore you with what this can do and teh relative merits of its CCD, noise ability etc etc. As I understand it the hish ISO noise is not as good as the Canon equivalent everything else is better. I get usable images up to 1600 and at 800 and below for most purposes noise does not come into it. I don't want a full frame CCD and the Canon advantage will not have. Its much cheaper to buy a wider digital lens than a 400 2.8 VR to go with my 300 and an 800 for my 600 and I'd still not have the same reach.

It is not a true pro camera but I'm not a pro so that's not a problem. I have got a D2X which is a pro camera and for me the built in flash and smaller size (without battery pack) of this mean for a one body soulution for general photography I'll carry this one over the build quality, extra pixels, faster FPS and slighly better focusing of the D2. To follow the theme from a different reviewer the D2X is not worth twice what this is if all you are looking at is the images you get. If the D200 had been available when I got my D2 I would probably gone for the 200 This is an enthusiasts camera and as such needs more looking after than the D2, it has a smaller battery, has no environmental seals around the lens mount and I imagine the components will wear out a bit quicker.

This takes great pictures if you take time to get the settings right. It handles so well out of the box. It just feels right if you have used nikon SLRs then you feel instantly at home and the contraols are all where they should be, it's evolved and they clearly know how to make a camera handle. The built in command mode for a remote SB800 is just so useful for ad hoc interiors and portraits.

I have never owned a D70 or D50 but I have used them and they do not feel so right, the D200 as well as performing slightly better handles better too. the D200 at least has some environmental seals and it's a magnesium alloy body. As has been pointed out elsewhere on the final pictures it can take it's not worth the extra over the D70 but for me the handling, quality of materials and extra abuse it can take make it worthwhile. The other thing is although the size of images these cameras take makes little difference to final prints the D200 raw images when converted to Tiffs are usually just about large enough for most of the stock libraries. The D70 and D50 are too small.

I've not used the bundled software but all I can say if you are considering using this camera and want to get the best from it you should have photoshop.

So in my opinion this camera is aimed at the "enthusiast" and if you are one of those this is the best camera out there unless you already have a Canon kit or really need a full frame imager.

Customer Service

Excellent

Similar Products Used:

D2X D2H

Fast and accurate focusing.
Ability to zoom in quickly on the preview screen.
Feels solid and handles well.
Fast start up and fast shutter response.
Many other great features in addition to...
Auto ISO
Function button

Nikon can't build enough quick enough
Batteries don't last very long--I am able to get 500-700 shots per charge
Batteries are also hard to find in stock at this time
Image quality at high ISOs is said to be lacking but I actually think the noise structure looks more like film grain than noise and even look better than high iSO images from my Fujis.

I have used a variety of digital SLR camerasincluding the Fuji S1, S2, and S3. The D200 is a better camera than any of these. Focusing is fast, exposures are accurate, exposures with SB-800 are also accurate too, auto white balance is pretty good too. This camera has some great features that advanced photographers will appreciate. Auto ISO is a real nice feature. For example, you set your ISO to the lowest setting and when the shutter speed drops to say 1/60th the ISO will bump up until you achieve the desired shutter speed. The D200 also has a function button that works kinda like an "f-key" on a compuetr. For example, you can set up the function to allow you to switch to spot meter mode quickly and without having to move your eye from the viewfinder. The camera feels solid and is solid. It feels great in the hand, unlike the S1 and S2, which feel like plastic toys compared to the D200. Most of the users at the pro discussion forums I participate in also love this camera. For beginners or non-pros, the D50 or D70s may be a better camera for you; but if you are a pro and need fast and accurate focusing then get the D200. I would rather have 2 of these cameras than 1 D2X, and for the price difference I could have 2 D200 bodies for the price of 1 D2X. It's a great camera especially at $1700.

Customer Service

Haven't had the need to use it.

Similar Products Used:

Fuji S1, Fuji S2, Fuji S3

Improved AF, excellent color and near perfect handling and build.

Noise...and don't waste my time with excuses. At this price point they should have done much better. Expose exactly right and noise is not too bad, but a 550 dollar Nikon D50 does better. This camera can also produce banding artifacts at higher ISO's but so can the Canons. Add on battery grip feels cheap compared to the camera quality.

Very few people are going to give an accurate review of the new Nikon D200, but I'm going to try. I'm NOT going to review the D200 on its own. That's not realistic or representative of how shoppers will seek out this camera. At such a high price, most buyers will have experience with digital cameras and DSLRs and be matching the D200 against other models. This review examines the new Nikon in that regard. IF you are actually thinking of this as a FIRST DSLR, please STOP. This is most likely not a good 1st DSLR due to it's complexity and steep learning curve. Please consider a D50 or D70s or the Canon 350XT which are also in the hands of plenty of professionals.

All others please read on....

The Nikon D200 is fairly advanced DSLR which uses interchangeable lenses and works with the Nikon flash system to produce professional results. It has a lighting fast auto focus system, though this is augmented nicely by the additional SB 800 flash which increases AF accuracy even further. For 1699.00 you know this is a serious unit that can take amazing photos, but the real question that MOST people will ask is this:

Do I need this level of camera over the D70s or D50 which cost a thousand dollars less? The question can be answered quite simply. If you shoot action, such as sports or birds or any fast moving objects, the D200's speed can serve you well, bringing a higher success rate. For more typical shooting, such as family, portraits and scenic, the advantages are questionable.

Don't let the higher mega pixel rate fool you. Prints from these cameras look just about the same. The D200's higher resolution gives you more cropping ability, but the D70 or D50 are more than capable in this area as well. The D200's higher ISO abilities are quite limited and this has been a major disappointment for users who have been honest about it. The Nikon D50 is better in this regard, as is the D2Hs. This is a major stumble at this price point. Some users will claim good ISO, but it's not forgiving in the least.

The viewfinder of the D200 may be the single most improved area at this price point. It's both bright and sharp compared to less models. This is not something to be taken lightly. A bright viewfinder is key for proper composition.

Handling of the D200 is beyond excellent. Like all of Nikon's DSLRs, the D200 just gets it right in a way than Canon continues to miss. This is yet another reason why people buy Nikon as it seems to be designed by people who actually shoot. The D200 is a work of art in this regard.

Picture quality is excellent, but this is NOT a camera for beginners. Higher resolution also means less sharp results without proper hand held technique. The D200 also employs VERY mild in-camera sharpening and this should be done in post. This is the polar opposite of cameras like the D50 or Canon 350 which deliver good shots right out of the camera. The D200 was designed to deliver as RAW a file as possible and allow the photographer final say in the digital darkroom. Because of this the D200 requires a fairly modern and fast computer with Photoshop or some other powerful post software that can handle the large files.

So what you're paying for here is a professional camera with superior focusing and shooting speed. Picture quality is about on par with other DSLRs. While some folks will claim otherwise, ALL DSLRs take great pictures in experienced hands and you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart. Pro's and enthusiasts buy more for handling than anything else. In that capacity the D200 does not disappoint.

Current Nikon owners take note! The higher resolution of the D200 may expose lower end optics. The D200 must be used with better glass to see it's potential. So we're talking about a serious investment here. I currently use a 18-200VR, 12-24, Tamron 90mm Macro, 70-200VR, 50mm 1.4 and so on. Add the flash, filters and so on all ad up. The cost of a DSLR and lens package can easily hit 5K and the D200 encourages you to spend more. This is not a camera to slap 200 dollar lenses onto.

In the end, with a D200 sitting next to my trusty D70, I can't say that the D200 takes better photos. What it does do is allow YOU to take better photos. If it had better ISO range it would be a 5 star camera. I've given it 3 stars because at this point Nikon should have matched Canon in this area. And by now Canon should have built a camera with proper handling. Choose your poison, folks, but I must question the value of the D200 for the high ticket price. I don't see 1000 dollars worth of advantage over a D70s. Not even close.

I feel that the Nikon D70s continues to be the best DSLR on the market for the money....but if money doesn't matter and you are an advanced shooter...buy the D2Xs for 4.5K and be done!

I like the camera, but it's not 1000 dollars better than a D70s or D50.


Capt RB

Customer Service

Nikon "experts" don't always have a clue when you call. Be ready to explain things slowly if you have a problem.

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D70, D70s, D50, D2H and a lot of others tried....

Built, weight, resolution, flash system, metering system.

auto focus in dark tends to hunt.

Noise levels at 800 and above (photos are useless at this stage).

Everything about the camera is excellent, except for it's low light performance. Reviews indicate that about ISO 800 and up (which is needed for flashless photography), the noise level and detail start to take its toll on this camera.

You can correct just about everything else but digital noise--even with Noise Ninja, the expense of losing detail is unaccpetable for pros.

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Nikon D50, D70, D2x

EOS 3, EOS 30D, EOS 5D, EOS 1Dn Mark 2.

- Image quality (comparable to medium format at least in my hands)
- brilliant battery management especially with two LiIon cells in the MB200 grip. Each battery shows % charge, number of shots done & age of the battery. Very reassuring
- brilliant user program function. There are 2 groups of 4 programs that I have set up for different situations (landscapes, studio, flash, available light) with a host of parameters (gridlines on/off, ISO setting, AWB, AF assist, Auto ISO, etc). I just switch from one program to another rather than fiddling with all the parameters by hand
- Auto ISO function. This really works. I choose my own ISO setting, set the minimum shutter speed and the camera will adjust ISO if the light gets too dim
- exposure accuracy. Better than the D70, especially with flash
- quiet shutter
- ability to transform from a standard-size camera to a D2X sized one for use with big lenses (by adding battery pack)
- fuller mid tones compared with the D70
- much less tendency to burn out highlights compared with the D70
- low noise up to 1600 ISO (when printing on A4)

- still a tendency to burn out highlights though Nikon Capture helps a lot to get them back
- Auto white balance tends to use "sunny" setting on overcast day (but easy to correct with Nikon Capture
- Big RAW files take a long time to process on Nikon Capture
- Frame counter is pessimistic with compressed RAW files (like original D70 firmware)
- Default settings are pleasant but I haven't found a way to make the native JPG's look as pretty as the ones from the D50
- Dust on the sensor

My D200 has dust on it's sensor. It's not new any more. I can write a review.

Excellent product. At first it seemed like perfection but after a while I got used to perfection and I can see where there could be some improvements. Very smart design, though. As usual with Nikon you have the feeling that this is a carefully evolved design, for real picture-taking.

Customer Service

Espace Nikon is Paris are excellent but I haven't used them yet. Go in next week and get the sensor cleaned

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- Good performance for fast action

- Expensive for the quality of digital
- AF illuminator shows the amateur side if this camera
- Highlights suck, but well, that's a digital characteristic that we have to live with.

I have been a professional E-6 shooter for the last 6 years and this is my first digital experience. So far, so-so experience. Digital for me is a big compromise. Highlights suck, but it is so comfortable the feedback with the LCD that all of us forget a little bit the highlight problem. The D 200 is not the exception. The reason why this camera is not rated as "professional" is not because the "Build in flash" as some people say. For me the real reason is the autofocus. That's why it has a AF illuminator which could be very annoying in not even low light. The F100 is way better and doesn't have an AF illuminator.

Another thing is what people call "Rugged construction". I think that it is well build but no way "Rugged". Is the back of the camera plastic?, It feels like, specially on the left low part…the build in flash is a piece of plastic and forget about the battery and the card cover. I grow up handling the Nikon F manual focus series, all metal, specially the '70's.

Similar Products Used:

Several large format, medium format, 35mm cameras, lenses and accesories

Good AF system.
Super colour reproduction ( almost life like)
Superb construction .
Very nice ergonomics.
Big and good LCD screen ( you can go up to a magnification of 400%)
Better viewfinder when compared to the D70. In fact MF is possible.
Great value for money

ISO performance really not great after 800 ISO.
A really bad camera strap.
Very low battery life when compared to the D 70.( Advice you to carry at least two)
Has a big mirror slap , so make sure you use a sturdy tripod esp in the range of .05 - 1/200 secs when using telephotos.

The D 200 felt like a PRO body the moment I saw it. Picked it up around 20 days back and fell in love instantly. Needed more resolution from the D 70 since I do a lot of bird photography and the crop factor certainly helps. The lens I used on the D 200 was a 300mm f/4 AFS nikkkor and there is a substantial difference in AF accuracy and speed. I used it a lot with a 1.4X and a 2X converter and got some very good results.
Up from a 6MP camera the 10MP is certainly a cool addition since I could crop and get more reach.

Customer Service

N A

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Nikon D 70

The D200 is look very close of an F-100. They have both same commands button at the same place on the body. The menu is very easy to use. The body is made of metal sa same of the F-100. The viewfinder is clear and sharp. You can set grid for easer photo composition. The monitor is big and the fabulous thing about it, is that zoom the picture on the monitor directly where was made the focus !!! You have choice from many white balance options even on Kelvin degres for studio flash specifications. With SanDish Extreme memory card, it's very fast to record the images. The camera give you oportunity the set many files, change the name of the picture with 3 digit or letter. The flash system is just great with the Nikon SB-800 l bought with it. l bought too, the Nikon MB-D200 grip and when attach to the body, it's fell fantastic with possibilities to put 2 i-on batteries or regular AA alkalin batteries. The shutter button on that grip is well place and you have 2 other main dial on it, just like on the body. The focus is fast and quiet. l very please of that camera and l coulf talk about it but the others reviews give you many details.

Battery life is a bit short and the power grip is made of plastique instead of metal just like the body. The instruction book could contain more detailed information.

After having the great Nikon F-100 for many years, l was waiting since a couple years for a digital camera simular to my F-100. When the D200 came out, it was the camera l was wainting for. It's my very first digital body.

Customer Service

l had problems with a store to get my D-200 and Nikon Canada help me thru it. Very good consumer support.

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It's my first digital. But l use Nikon F-100 with many Nikon lenses.

as many as D200 have pixels... The best Digital camera for 2000$. Dont buy any Canon D1s or 5D, better get 2.8 lenses for lovely D200... :) If Canon not exist in the photo world this was better camera ever. Much more better then Nikon D2x...

The biggest one - batteries...

I will review only weaknesses, be cause it is impossible to say all strengths of this camera! This second one digital SLR in the world today! Who is the first one? Canon 1Ds Mark II. But this other story. Now all my colleagues, friends photojournalist - media use Nikon D200, and i can tell you - this is the fully profi camera. Nor semiprofessional, like all think, but profi. So, anyway, maybe my review will help to make decision on it. Like i said i tell you only weaknesses, be cause i find something more, then you can find on the web.
-Camera very sensitive to the lens quality... VERY. This not means that you cannot use not NIKKOR lenses. No way. I use Sigma's, and Nikkor as well, sometime Sigma EX lenses make better quality then Nikkor. So don’t be noob, and go for tokina or Sigma, it worth . But keep in mind, you have to get Sigmas EX, Tokinas PRO etc. And you never get good results from Nikkor G.
-you think you can get 1800 shots from one battery charge?... no way! Of cause you can get about 900 if you make shots only in P mode, no preview display, but if you pro shooter, and concentrate on one shot couple of hours - your battery can take for you about 200 shots..! So you must have 2-3 extra batteries.
-you can easy damage CF card doors if you not careful with this or you "on speed"
- WB Auto not so good like you can find in some reviews. Try to shoot PRO if you have time, if not, try Kelvin’s. Auto use only with RAW and Photoshop editing.
- jpegs in many situation 2.2 mb... unbelievable for 10 mlns sensor... They have to be at least 5-6 mb other ways jpegs quality unpredictable and buffer - infinity...
-10 pin remote... not mechanical like on D100... pros never use electronically remote... now have to...
-build in flash... in other worlds (I’m not sure you understand me) this only one thing making this camera looks like semipro, if there was no build flash at all - it was profi camera for 100% (now only for 99%)
- High ISO noise. This no big deal, be cause no one professional photograph use higher then 400 ISO. Even with non digital. Like use Vulvia film. So if you want to print your pics in news papers/magazines - don’t use higher then 400, for PC you can use even 1800.
- Matrix mode can work a little bit better.

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D100